The Method To the Madness

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 102 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 482.9 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 234 Money Found For Food Bank: $34.73

Ahhh, the sittin' spot!

The very second I stepped outside, I knew the run was going to feel awful compliments of the very thick humidity. By temperature alone, I'd already decided Elly couldn't join me; The humidity was enough to make me want to turn right back around and wait for a better day! But, I was already up and out of bed, so what was the point. HA!

My method to cover those five miles was exactly that: Just cover them. I drank more water than usual, and I took shorter-but-more-frequent walk breaks. Pure determination with a splash of stubbornness took me over today's route. The desire to live toned down the pace and all expectations beyond just finishing!

Elly didn't understand why she was being left behind, but I'm pretty sure my return-home hug (and the heat radiating off of me on to her fur coat) clued in her instincts that staying home was the place to be!

I have no idea what the weather is supposed to be tomorrow, and I have no plans to intentionally find out! I'm going with 'ignorance is bliss' ... or, at least, ignorance will keep my mindset on getting up and running instead of figuring out an excuse to not!

I hope your Monday started off great, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Drop the Burden. It's Heavy.

I acquired a new hedgehog
yesterday. That has nothing
to do with today's topic,
but it's awesome, so I had
to share.

I have spent the past week writing a letter to someone I love (yes, I said 'writing a letter' as in with a pen and paper ... people do still do that!). It took a week because (a) Summer schedules don't allow for concentrated stretches of time to do anything, and (b) I had a lot to say. Anyway, it was important for me to write because its recipient is holding on to a lot of garbage of the past: Things he was told; things he perceives; things that hurt. And, all of that amounts to robbing him of peace, happiness and potential. He doesn't see in himself what I see, so, I made it my mission to tell him.

But, isn't that so often the way things go? We are told something or experience something that colors our outlook ... and, almost always, to our detriment. Some of what we're told was never meant to hurt, and sometimes it was on purpose. Either way, it sucks and isn't right that we hold on to such negativity.

I've certainly leaned on friends and family to sift through some of my own crap throughout my adult life, and I know everyone has something from which they need to break free. And, then, there comes that point where we have to decide for ourselves our own worth and no longer use a broken (or otherwise totally messed up) measuring stick.

There are many lessons I once learned or opinions (past and present) I have had to challenge and dig really deep to get past in order to happily go forth. Running is just one of them, but it is most certainly one of them. That I have to repeatedly go through the process of challenging my own demons just to keep on keepin' on over the miles keeps me in excellent practice to take on any form of negativity that may either come my way or eek out of the recesses of my brain. Remaining positive and productive is a choice ... kind of like a muscle you use or you lose.

If you're holding on to something that is holding you back, I implore you to deal with it. Think it through, and weigh its value. Talk about it. Reach out for some help to gain perspective and/or finally let it go. And, never ever agree with anyone who only works to tear you down.

Easier said than done? Hell yes. But, the effort to work through it is such a lighter load than it is to carry the burden of the hurt.

With that, it's time for dinner, and a big, ol' artichoke is there waiting for me. See?

If I swing it right, I'll be getting some of those other ones, too.

Enjoy your Sunday evening, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Banking the Miles

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 101 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 477.9 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 234 Money Found For Food Bank: $34.71

Even though I wasn't entirely ready to get out there and hit it today, Elly was already up and stretching by the time I saw her:

"To the right! To the middle! To the left! I got this, mommy!"

Unfortunately for her, she totally wasted her stretching time because I had no intention of taking her with me. She could use the rest, and I could use the rest from managing her!

Besides, while it wasn't the worst running weather in the world, it was starting to get thick out there. That's barely good for a girl much less for a puppy! All I really wanted today was to log my miles, and get on with my day!

Oh, and I thought I was running a full 5 miles today until I got home and mapped it to be sure only to find out it was four and a half. Man, no wonder I was so fast! Aaron was all kinds of impressed that I showed up to my pick-up spot when I did. Now we know why! That's alright, I could tell him I slowly strolled a mile, and he'd root me on anyway!

Okay, has his head always been that much larger than mine?

Good cheerleaders are hard to come by, so make sure you're surrounded by some of the good ones!

Even though it was accidently cut shorter than intended, today's run was a good, solid one (helps to not be tethered by the pooch, just sayin'), and I found 45 cents. Ya and Hooooooo!! And, in two weeks' time, I'm ahead of mileage schedule by 4.5 miles which will one day amount to a surprise day off! That's totally why I'm banking extra miles now while I feel like it -- so I can gift myself a day when I'm not!

Tomorrow is time to regroup and rest, so that's what's on my agenda! May your Sunday be full of nothing but good, and I'll see you as it unfolds!

Seriously, What's Her Problem

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 100 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 472.4 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 234 Money Found For Food Bank: $34.26

Today marks 100 days run in 2014 for me!! Yahoo!! To be honest, it really doesn't mean too much other than it's a nice, round number. So, let's move on!

Before heading out, I had 7 miles to run to keep on track with my weekly goal. That really amounts to one more 5-miler and a 2. But, I'm still in the mood to keep the mileage up, so I'm going to keep going with 5s and bank the extra miles for later potential use (read: cushion for some random day when I'm over it). That's what was in my head.

But, Pit Crew #2 had no idea what was in my head when I saw she'd just awakened when I was ready to head out, and I asked her if she wanted to join me. I was all kinds of upbeat about it to make it sound like it was going to be the most awesome outing ever and that she really didn't want to miss out on it. It totally worked ... even when I totally evaded the, "How far are you going?" question!

While she got ready, I got ready our amenities before leashing up the dog. Lizzy decided she wanted to be a part of the action:

"If the canine goes, I go. Right? RIGHT?!"

We headed out only to find out the reported 74 degrees felt nothing like 74 degrees. It was so gross out!! It necessitated slowing down for Elly, and that worked well for PC#2 since, upon stepping out the door, I sprang the distance on her. With the kind of humidity we had, and with this being her first longer run in many months, I already planned where the walk and water breaks would be, so all of that plus the slower pace made it a decent outing for all.

Regardless of my plans, PC#2 was pretty much over it by the half way mark. So, she took advantage of some sprinklers!

Ahhhhhhhh ...

She's also the one who spied the biggest coin of the run (a quarter ... we found 37 cents total!), and she was the first to see the live turtle, so I'm not sure what her problem was (hahaha):

Elly was eager to investigate ...

... but, like every time she sees a turtle, she quickly gets bored!

And, yes, I did specifically note we saw a 'live'
turtle ... can't tell you how many I've seen since
Spring began that didn't make it across the road.

I figured this little guy saw the same unfortunate turtle souls
I have because he cruised ... just to get away, he turned to go
back to the middle of the street, so PC#2 turned him the right
way before we continued on.

By the way, about a half mile later, PC#2 accidently kicked a turtle. It was already dead just not squished. Not many people can say they've kicked a turtle.

For real, her run was full of excitement! I'm going to have to remind her of that the next morning I announce it's a great day for a run before she's even out of bed!

In our last mile, there was one more walk break planned. When I looked ahead to let PC#2 know the marker where it would begin, the girl cruised. I mean, her pace kicked up a few notches, and she was in it to win it! She hit that marker and put on the breaks. Nothing was keeping her from getting to the walk break as fast as possible!

I was down with that:

I had a great time with my girls this morning! I think PC#2's going to pass in the morning, though. And, that's okay! One more for the week to go! I'll check in after!

The Whole Picture

I was able to zip through my recording of the USA vs. Germany World Cup game today, and I was really struck by the positivity of the commentators with regard to the US team. I honestly have no idea who they even are, but it was refreshing to listen to one of them talk about how it's time for him to eat crow over his original predictions as to how the US was going to perform. Most don't tend to admit they were wrong in the first place, so kudos to whomever you are.

And, even though the US lost to Germany, we still get to advance based on the whole of the picture. And, it's the whole that tends to be my main focus of my life as I work and maneuver the pieces that comprise it. You've heard me say when runs have sucked or were hard or hurt or that I just didn't want to do it that day. But, the efforts of those runs are just as useful as those days when I'm cruising along. They all add up when it comes to reaching a goal, whatever that goal is.

Much like when the same aforementioned commentator said, "The key to their success was getting 23 guys together in a locker room believing they could win no matter what anyone else thought," every day, I decide I can reach whatever goal I've set. The first step is always that intentional decision.

Like Dr. Phil says, "Life is not a success-only journey." Not for Team USA, not for you, not for me. But, we get to keep moving forward.

My darkest personal days throughout my life have always had one theme: When I decide there's something I cannot do whether I really know my limits or not. In other words, the darkest days are when I, on some level, give up. The key to my running success (success as I've defined it) is mostly attributed to the fact that I go into a situation assuming I can achieve even if I don't necessarily yet know how. But, it's that faith and confidence that keeps my dreams from getting squished. Or, in more literal terms, keeps me  from getting squished ...

I have this under control believe it or not.
Oh, and this is not the time to doubt myself.

Last night, I thought it would be a fun idea to see if I could 'airplane' Aaron. I assumed I could, and I totally did. 'Leg pressed him, in fact. I rule.

This was another challenge entirely ...

... because Pit Crew #2 is rather ticklish!

Keep your focus on the big picture, and don't let a minor setback define it or you! And, with that, I'll see you after the morning run!

Another Way To Boost My Ego. I Like It.

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 99 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 467.4 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 229 Money Found For Food Bank: $33.89

My normal running schedule never has me running three or more days in a row. That's probably why I like it so much and I have stuck with it for so long -- just when I want a break, there it is! But, there is nothing normal about my life schedule in the Summer, so, why should my running schedule be? Today, that amounted to another 5-er. And, it was a good morning for it! I went early enough that the sun was still behind trees for a good portion of the route which also meant it felt a little cooler. Ahhhh ...

Elly didn't get to go today. She was due for a rest of the regularly scheduled variety. Not only that, but I had an early appointment scheduled, and I wanted to get out and get back without her brand of dilly-dallying! It is because of that appointment that I went ahead and ran today with the plan to rest tomorrow: If there's already an extraneous reason to get up early, then why not do all get-up-early things on one day, and plan a rest on the morning where nothing is scheduled?! I think that's some brilliant thinking.

Without my four-legged partner, I cruised the route this morning. On the days I don't take Elly, I tend to feel like a total stud because of the resistance and slower pace she tends to provide! She's not only been a great pacer and trainer, it turns out she's also an accidental ego boost!

I was also able to get close enough to spy this birdie breakfast club since she wasn't there to scare them off at 50 paces!

They were chowing on some grub from a nearby fast-food
restaurant and wanted no part of flying away even when
they saw me.

Five miles and 3 cents later, it was a wrap!

Summer is cruising along! I hope your Hump Daaayyyyyyyyyyy (yyyyyeahhhh !!) was a great one, and I'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day ... hopefully with a win for the US in the World Cup! See you then!

Things Change Quickly Around Here!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 98 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 462.4 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 229 Money Found For Food Bank: $33.86

Okay, today started out much better than yesterday. Because I didn't fall on a cactus. (I bet you've never said that ...) Instead, Elly and I got to head out and go about our business like any other normal morning. And, that's the way I like it!

This five-mile morning thing is quickly catching traction. Every day, it falls even better into place. I've just about regained my post-Rest Week wheels, so I'd say I'm going to be completely good to go, both mentally and physically, by the start of next week. I'd say 'by tomorrow,' but, let's not be hasty.

I'm so glad Elly has gotten to join me, but those days are numbered for the Summer. We have a pretty good gig going on getting water in her via my water bottle, and she still pulls over to lick the dew off the grass while we run ...

See those drops on her nose? Those are the tell-tale signs that the girl has
been investigating or supplementing her water intake!

... but, neither will serve her well when the temps rise just a little bit more. We're enjoying it all while we can!
The biggest notable of the day is the ease at which the run happened just a day after I outted my inner conflict over how much do I really want to hit my mileage goal? And, let's face it, the only reason I'd question that is because something somewhere was either doubting I could or was recognizing it would be a pain in the can to make it happen. I still think there will be plenty of days when it'll be a pain, but any doubt I had that I wouldn't be able to sustain the miles is gone. Adios, unproductive thoughts seeping into my morning brain!

It was a really good run. But, we found no money. I can't always have it all!

As of yet, I still haven't decided what I'm doing in the morning. I need to sit and focus on the rest of the week to strategize the next Rest Day (you don't want to waste those!!). So, off I go to do some considering, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Fighting With Myself Isn't All That Bad. But, Falling On a Cactus Is.

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 97 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 457.4 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 224 Money Found For Food Bank: $33.86

And, to start off my Monday, I fell into a cactus plant. This one:

What a total drag!! I was rescuing one of the poor tomato plants that got pummeled by recent rain when I started to stand up and, instead, fell back. That wasn't a big deal until I landed on the cactus! See all of those little needles? Yeah, they blanketed the back of my leg. And, what was worse was knowing I was going to have to stop and take time to deal with that when I wanted to head out for my run! Apparently, I should have left the plant and just run!

 

Well, not to be stopped, I got out a roll of duct tape, and I went to work as best I could. Yup, I duct taped myself the way some wax legs. It seemed the best solution considering I couldn't contort myself so as to actually see what was going on. After a few rounds of tape-and-rip followed by a light wash with a warm washcloth, it seemed I got the bulk of 'em (as I continue to pull some out throughout the day/evening). I'll keep an eye on the area for a while (well, Aaron will since I really, really am not a contortionist) to make sure there's no sign of irritation or infection caused by one we couldn't find. And, in the meantime, we all carry on!

 

Of course, for the first half mile of my run, I thought of all of the freak things that could happen from such an incident including being one in a billion people who might be allergic to some random plant extract that lives in such cactus needles that no one even knows about until it takes someone down. Then, I'd make the news and medical journals in a really bad way. I mean, I don't even like tomatoes all that much. They're okay, but they're no artichoke.

 

Follow that? Then you understand my mind when I run.

 

The run itself, however, was really good. Five miles out and back with the pooch; can't complain about that! I loved some of the scenery, like this ...

... and, this ...

But, one of my favorite sights were these after Elly found a puddle in the grass:

There's nothing like puppy prints!!

While the run was a good one, I'm still working on convincing myself that I really, really want to hit 1,000 miles by the end of the year. Here's the deal: I really, really do want to hit it. What I'm working on is entirely convincing myself that I do, indeed, want to put in the work to get there! I mean, I do want to. But, I kind of don't. But, I totally do. But, I'm not sure I do. But, I DO.

 

Just bein' real.

 

This is the right personal challenge for me, by the way. My internal conflict is not taking away the enjoyment of running in the least. You might recall I bailed on my do-something-every-day challenge earlier this year as soon as I determined it wasn't worth it nor was it very fun. This is different because I'm enjoying what I'm doing. I think (think ... I'm still thinking about it!) my conflict has more to do with the fact that it's Summer and wishing I could use more mornings to sleep a little longer and not that I don't want to run! I admit I keep evaluating, but I keep coming to the same conclusion: Just Keep Going!

 

And, so, we do. In fact, we continue forth tomorrow! Tomorrow's bound to start off better than today simply by refraining from falling on a cactus! Have a non-prickly start to your day, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Lazy Day Demo

And, on today's Rest Day, Lizzy provides a demo:

Today's been a great day to refuel and regroup to get ready to hit Monday running ... literally! Eek out every part of the weekend you can, and I'll see you after the morning run!

(GO USA!! ... World Cup game tonight!)

Welcome Summer!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 96 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 452.4 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 219 Money Found For Food Bank: $33.85

Happy first day of Summer!! I often miss this particular day on the calendar since I feel like Summer begins when school ends, but, because I actually realized today's the day, I thought I'd give it a shout out!

 

Elly and I welcomed Summer with a 4-mile run this morning! I was thankful the weather allowed for Elly to join me. It was warm, but it was nothing she couldn't handle. Besides, I've figured out how to get water in her with my water bottle, so I feel better about her being with me for it. Her temperature parameters are the same, but these warmer runs are now even better for her.

 

I only had 2 miles to go to keep myself on target for my year-end goal, but I was motivated by money (is that so wrong?). You see, I could scope 2 specific spots within 2 miles, or, I could scope an additional 3 by adding on. I had the energy to do it, so we went for it to the tune of 42 total cents for The Food Bank today. Booyah!

 

And, when I say I had the energy to do it, I think what I really had was the mental energy more so than the physical! Right before we hit the second mile, I was feelin' it!! My thighs were all kinds of, "Oh, hell no, you promised TWO!" Fortunately, my mental energy has almost always trumped the physical. At least, that's what happens when I really want whatever it is that's making me tired!

 

If my two legs were tired, what about Elly's 4?!

"Oh, mommy, I was just fine. And, when I'm not fine, I have
no problem pulling over. You know that by now. Now ...
let's get going!! Move! Move! Move!"

She takes that Trainer title of hers and gets all bossy.

 

Elly did have her head on a little straighter today than she has of late. While she needs direction when by the streets and crossing, lately she has been doing things like just deciding to cross even though I've not given the word or deciding to change directions (usually toward oncoming traffic). It's not just annoying, it's scary. Fortunately, the leash is strong, and she's very responsive when I catch on to her clueless ways! Today, she was totally in sync with me even to the point she appeared to watch for cars at crosswalks. I mean, she wasn't, but she looked like it:

"I got this, mommy."

Our last two miles felt markedly different from our first two. I don't know if that's because the first mile or two tend to suck no matter what, or if it was simply because we were past the half-way mark, and everything feels better when you're at that point where there more behind you than there is in front of you. Either way, we cruised right along the back half and finished reasonably strong!

 

Our end point was a predetermined pick-up spot where Aaron met us. That gave Elly an opportunity to participate in one of her very favorite activities:

Go ears, GO!!

Even though the windows are down, these remind me of this sign I saw during my fabulous Rest Week:

Let this serve as your heads up should you ever ride in the
passenger seat of my car. Just sayin'.

That was, indeed, a great way to officially kick off Summer! Make this day exactly what you want it to be, and I'll check in tomorrow!

Not About Me

Happy Friday!! Happy Rest Day!! Wow, I think I perfectly scheduled this Rest Day because I didn't even get up until after 9:30 a.m.!! I think I was tired ...

I spent part of this morning refiguring the miles I need per week to hit my year-end goal of 1,000, and I think I finally figured it out accurately! The verdict is: 22 miles per week which factors in the Half Marathon training schedule (which is less than that for most weeks), a Rest Week post-Half and the last days of December which don't amount to a full week. TA. DA. I finally feel like I know what I'm doing! That only took a few tries ...

It also means that I only need a 2-miler tomorrow to stay completely on track. Two miles? Booyah !!

During this recent rest, running was not entirely off my radar as I got to experience it from the other side! Our nephew entered a 7-mile run, so I hitched myself up as the 4th member of our Pit Crew and went to cheer! My brother was all, "You should totally do it with him," and I was all, "No."

There he taking off at the start (in black)!

As you know, while I run, the Pit Crew finds something else to do (usually involving having breakfast!). On this day, we shopped! That's when I found my fabulous, new hedgehog, and I saw some other fun things like this ...

... and, this ...

... and, quite possibly my favorite ...

It's a good thing they don't have this along race routes ... I'd be screwed
around Mile 9 of a Half ...

Okay, I didn't buy any of that, but I did get this:

At a running event, OF COURSE I'm thinking about my dog!!

Anyway, we didn't have a lot of time to shop because the neph is a speed demon. For Real.

There's Uncle Aaron perfectly positioned for cheering and
for incoming runner pictures!!

He ran 7 miles in 48 minutes. Whuuuuuuuuuut ?!? He placed first in his age group. With that kind of time, can I get a, "Duh, he did!!" Here he is with his dad at the finish:

I hate to admit this about myself, but I'm going to anyway: There was a time (quite a while ago) when seeing him run like that would have made me feel inferior in my own efforts. But, that's because I would have been stupid insecure enough to compare myself to that of a 16-year-old natural athlete (seriously, he rocks at everything he's tried). I don't know that I would have been able to step back and see that there are obvious differences in every way, and I don't know that I would have been smart enough to realize such a comparison was destructive to me and joy-sucking to the experience of watching and cheering him.

Never, ever compare yourself to anyone else. Do your thing the very best way you can, and enjoy cheering the efforts of others. On this day, I loved that I have evolved to the point that that race was all about him and not any part of my own self-doubt/pity/stupidity.

Besides. I got to shop.

So, here's the day's SHOUT OUT to our nephew for being a beast over those miles and giving every part of it everything he had!! (Oh, yes, he had the noodle legs later on ... hey!!! THAT we have in common!!)

With that, we slip on into the weekend!! Start it off the best way you know how, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Life Lessons

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 95 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 448.3 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 214.9 Money Found For Food Bank: $33.43

How cool is it that I can totally make Elly's morning simply by taking her leash off its hanger?! Well, that sweet sound was music to her ears today after I checked the weather -- 72 degrees and a wee bit humid, but there was just enough of an overcast to shield us from the direct hit of the sun. We girls were going running!

 

Running ... interval training thanks to Elly's adventurous spirit ... tuh-may-toe ... toe-mah-toe ... Her personal adventures paid off for me in a bit of sight seeing, but I finally gave in two-thirds up a hill because I was tired of running intervals up hill. Here's what her stops afforded, though!

Not only is the flower cool, but, look close
because I got a bee in there, too!

Purple punk hair.

No, it's not upside down. It's my view of checking my feet for
ticks because I went a bit into the grass to take that last pic,
and I'm not Frontlined like Elly. Just sayin'.

"I can go anywhere without fear! I'm freeeeeeeeee !!"

Every Summer tends to lend itself to at least one picture that
looks like it could be a puzzle ...

Today's run felt significantly better than yesterday's post-Rest Week whatever-that-was!! And, while yesterday didn't bother me one bit, I was glad to know that two 5-milers back-to-back after a rest was more than in my realm of doable! You'd think that might be a 'duh' by now, but I take nothing for granted when it comes to this running gig! I do, however, have faith that everything I've put into it has been stored for reasonably immediate use. Persistence does pay off!

 

That happened to be one of those life lessons I briefly discussed with one of the Crewers today. You remember when you were a kid and your mom or your dad lectured you just when you were on the verge of quitting something because it was difficult and you had no perspective as to why it was difficult or that it would ever get any better therefore you decided what you were trying sucked, right? (And, when you remember such things, you do so in run-on sentence form.) Well, in today's installment of Life Lessons For Kids, I really didn't have much to say in lecture form (thanks to wildly insightful kids), but I did wrap up my few words with the following: "The worst thing you can ever do is give up on yourself. And, when you are feeling like something is impossible, just think of your 40-year-old mom sitting on the front step crying because running was so hard. Then remember she kept getting up off the front step."

 

Fortunately, that brought a smile to the young one. Possibly because of my hair:

That's good stuff!

Before signing off for the day, let me share Elly's selfie:

"Selfies are cool, mommy!"

I'm very happy to be back at the running routine because it most definitely starts my day off well! But, I'm not so happy that I'm not taking a rest, and that comes my way tomorrow! I'll check in then!

Obsessive Streaks Aren't All They're Cracked Up To Be

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 94 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 443.3 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 209.9 Money Found For Food Bank: $33.33

WHEW!!! That break from everything was outstanding!! And, that my run this morning made me feel like I've not run a day in my life didn't even phase me! It was good to be away from it all, and it was good to return. Win. Win.

 

Unfortunately, I chose to restart the running just when the temps really started to soar and the humidity blanket cozied itself right on up on us! But, that's the nature of the beast. At least I was smart enough to take water with me this morning. And, I was smart enough to leave Elly behind. To her predictable dismay.

 

I'm not sure why I necessarily thought making my first run in a week a 5-miler was a perfect idea, but I did. It wasn't that bad. Although, it wasn't that great, either! But, not every run is a perfect one no matter what. Wait ... let me restate: Most of my runs are far from perfect all the time, so why should this one have been any different, amiright ?!

 

Things did feel like a return to normal today as I found fun things along the way. For instance, when is the last time you saw jacks?

And, if you have seen them, I bet you didn't see them on the street. And, that happened, I bet they didn't match your shoes ...

 

I also had a return to cash as I found 42 cents!! WAHOO!! (Check out the total up there -- all 3's!) I will allow the hedgehog I acquired during my hiatus to show it off:

OF COURSE I took a break and got
myself a hedgehog. Duh.

Here's the thing about the next couple of months: It's all about making progress toward my year-end goal. No matter how fast, slow or in between, the focus is definite while the method has major wiggle room. That sounds like a great way to compliment the spirit of Summer!

 

Today's run exemplified some lazy days of Summer, and I make no apologies!

I do make a wee apology for the hair,
though. At least you can't smell me.
Trust me.

Taking this break was exactly what I needed if for no other reason than it broke a running streak I didn't intend to start. Rest Weeks used to be a definite part of my repertoire, and I let that go along the way. I know for certain I didn't take one last year at all, and I cut previous ones short. I get a bit obsessive when there's some sort of streak in my world (that I think began when I insisted for myself that I would have perfect attendance all the way through high school, and there was nothing getting in my way of that. And, yes, I attained it. Both cool and weird all at the same time.). That obsession isn't always awesome, and I needed a reminder that taking a break is ohhhh-kaaayyyy.

 

And, evidently, I needed a new hedgehog.

 

Tomorrow? YEAH I'm running! It'll be another nasty day for it, but I'll be out there ... contemplating when my next Rest Day will be ...!

 

Tune in to yourself, and see what you need to refuel! And, then do it! I'll check in after the morning run!

 

Time To Refuel!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 93 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 438.3 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 209.9 Money Found For Food Bank: $32.91

I believe today was what they say in the biz: That's a wrap!

Elly and I set sail on a morning that was quite cool, but it was thick with humidity, so I had a nice slime coating by the time we finished! I looked a lot like this:

At least, this is how I felt!!

We went out with the intention of covering 6 miles, but a mile into it, I decided NOPE! and amended the route to five. Oh, and I took a walk break. Ahhhh ... it was fabulous! But, both decisions were so awesome that it was just that much more clear to me that I need to chill for a bit ...

So, with that! I hereby stake claim to some rest for the next week! In fact, I'm taking a break from it all ... running and writing! We don't even have our fried computer back yet, so, I'm actually breaking from the effort of putting pieces together while we wait for it! I'll be back on rested and ready to blaze some trails and tell some tales (orrrrr feeling a little sluggish from being off for a week and ready to complain about it!)! Either way, I'll have a fun recap of the down time, but, until then, it's time to refuel!!

Be very certain and very deliberate to take some refueling time for yourself when you need it! Elly and I will be back on soon!

So Right and So Wrong ...

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 92 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 433.3 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 204.9 Money Found For Food Bank: $32.75

Happy Monday!! Who's all about Monday?!!!!

Okay, that's the way I would like to feel on Mondays, but, on this one, I was just beat!! It was a super-full day, and I'm pretty whipped! But, it started off just right with a run!

Wait ... did I say 'just right'? I mean, it started out just fine  by my doing what I promised myself I would do which was to run. And, some days, that promise is the only motivator that gets my engine started!! I've also promised myself a week's worth of rest, and that is just one. run. away! Whee!!

Again, my legs were weary at the onset, but everything fell into place just before Elly and I hit our second miles. You should know that up to that point, I wasn't even at the Puppy Pace ... I was behind  the Puppy Pace! Now, that's pretty awesome for Elly because she does like to pretend she's in charge, but it sent all kinds of signals to me that this stretch of rest is well timed!

Speaking of rest, allow me to note the most interesting thing I saw on this morning's run, but it was something I dared not take a picture of ... it was a dude sound asleep (aka: probably passed out) on top of a business's air conditioner unit. For real. It was a little creepy. That kind of scene can scar a girl. I initially saw him at the beginning of a loop that amounts to almost a mile when I get back to its beginning. He was still there upon our return. I still didn't take a picture. It just seemed ... wrong.

Oh, but here's what was very right ... in addition to finding four pennies and a BB, I spent a lot of time entertained by Elly's waggy tongue.

"First the pace, then the tongue wag. I'm totally here for you,
mommy!!"

When it goes sideways, I can't help but laugh. Every. Time.

"Yup, here for you in every way, mommy! Later, I'll give you
a big ol' sluuurrrrrrrpp !!"

This is probably a great time to congratulate Elly for turning the 200-mile mark today!! WAHOO!! Super-good doggie!!!

Tomorrow, we give it all one more push before taking a break from the degree to which we've been pushing ourselves! I think we're due! With that, I'll see you after the morning run!

Eightteen Years Has Lead To This

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 91 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 427.6 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 198.2 Money Found For Food Bank: $32.71

So, 18 years ago this morning, I sprung out of bed ready to get married! That's right, it's our anniversary! And, what better way to celebrate than with a morning run, right ?!?! You should know that right before I fell asleep last night, I said to Aaron, "You do know you're joining me on my run tomorrow," to which he immediately responded with a resounding, "WHUUUUUT ?" I totally caught him off guard.

 

That was cool, though, because the run caught my body off guard this morning, so we were even. My legs were screaming in the first half mile. I'd say it's about time for that break I've been promising myself ...

 

Before that actually comes to fruition, though, I am enjoying an unexpected bout of cooler mornings and seeing awesome, only-early-morning things such as this:

Check out the drops on only the edges of the leaves!

Our outing was super-splendid with lots of things to talk about while often giggling at the nonsense that is Elly while doing things only we would do like make a concerted effort to try and pry a penny out of asphalt that would likely go unnoticed by most normal people:

It didn't work, but we were hopeful!

It was a successful outing all the way around, most notably because we did it together. Yes, Elly, all of us!

With that, enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and I'll see you after the morning run! Unless it rains, then I'm blowing that noise off! Just sayin' ...